Multi-purpose Phacoemulsification Needle with Rounded Tip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current phacoemulsification needles often require multiple tools due to sharp edges that can cut the lens capsule, necessitating separate needles for cataract extraction and capsule polishing, which impairs healing and visual recovery.
Innovation Solution
A multipurpose phacoemulsification needle with a truncated hemisphere tip and flat surface at a 45° angle, featuring a rounded surface for polishing and a port for aspiration, eliminating sharp edges and allowing for both cataract extraction and capsule polishing with a single tool.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a sharp needle surface is used to enhance phacoemulsification and break up lens nucleus, then cataract extraction effectiveness is improved, but the lens capsule may be inadvertently cut which impairs healing and visual recovery
Solution Approach 1:
The needle is designed with different surface qualities at different locations: the lateral surface maintains a relatively sharp edge for effective phacoemulsification, while the distal tip features a rounded, non-sharp surface that prevents lens capsule damage. This local differentiation of surface properties allows the same tool to perform both functions effectively.
2Productivity
If a second needle or tool is used for polishing the capsule to remove soft cortical remnants, then capsule polishing effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and number of tools required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The phacoemulsification needle is designed to perform multiple functions: it can both fragment the lens nucleus/cortex through its sharp lateral surface and polish the lens capsule through its rounded distal tip surface. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate polishing tools, reducing device complexity and the number of instruments required during surgery.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple needle types are used for different surgical tasks, then functional versatility is improved, but ease of operation and surgical efficiency deteriorates due to tool changes and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The needle integrates multiple surgical functions into a single instrument. The sharp lateral surface enables effective phacoemulsification for breaking up lens material, while the rounded distal tip provides a polishing surface for capsule smoothing. This allows the surgeon to perform both tasks with one tool, improving ease of operation and surgical efficiency by eliminating tool changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functions of separate phacoemulsification and polishing needles into a single unified instrument. By combining the sharp edge geometry for fragmentation with the rounded tip geometry for polishing in one needle, the design consolidates multiple surgical capabilities, reducing the number of tool changes and simplifying the surgical workflow.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables effective cataract extraction and capsule polishing without damaging the lens capsule, reducing the need for multiple tools and enhancing surgical efficiency by generating cavitational energy and accessing cortex material from difficult locations.
Implementation Method 1
The procedure includes an ultrasonically vibrated needle which is inserted through a very small incision of the cornea in order to provide energy for fragmenting the lens and cataract
Implementation Method 2
The curved needle has additional advantage in the generation of cavitational energy, manipulating tissue within the eye during surgery
Implementation Method 3
The handpiece typically includes piezoelectric crystals or magnetostrictive elements which are coupled to the needle
Implementation Method 4
The handpiece typically includes piezoelectric crystals or magnetostrictive elements which are coupled to the needle
Data Source
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AI summary
A multi-purpose phacoemulsification needle, comprising: a needle body disposed about a centerline and having a lumen therethrough, the lumen having a primary surface having a first diameter; and a proximal end adapted for attachment to a phacoemulsification handpiece; the lumen comprising at least three fins having isolated distal ends protruding inwardly from the lumen primary surface, the fins configured such that a circle passing through the distal ends of the fins has a second diameter that is less than the first diameter, the fins each having a longitudinal extent along the centerline that is greater than the first diameter.